One of Australia's selection headaches may be relieved, with concerns David Warner won't recover from his thumb injury in time to pad up for the first Test against India.

FEELING THE HEAT: Nathan Lyon. Source: Getty Images

FORMER Test spinner Nathan Hauritz believes Nathan Lyon is being weighed down by "external pressures" as India turn up the heat, calling the tweaker Australia's weakest link.

While Australia's pacemen are sure to face some torrid spells, the Indians have discussed using their mastery of sub-continental spin conditions to attack Lyon in the first Test starting on Friday to set the tone for the series.

It was a tactic they employed successfully on Australia's last Test tour of India in 2010, when Lyon's predecessor Hauritz claimed only six wickets at 65 in a series that ultimately led to his axing.

Hauritz is determined Lyon should not walk a similar path to oblivion, and hopes the 25-year-old does not allow incessant input to confuse his mental approach.

"The hardest part for Nathan is a lot of the external pressures, and people always talking about him," he said.

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"When he first started (in Test cricket), I noticed he bowled a bit wider and spun it more. Now people are saying he needs to be closer to the stumps, but he doesn't seem to spin it as much when he does that.

"He's accurate and very good at what he does, but from experience everyone seems to have advice for you and you try to take it on board."

Lyon claimed 3-69 and 2-113 in two warm-up matches, although he was outbowled in the second fixture by Xavier Doherty (3-108).

While his 61 wickets from 19 Tests at 32.16 warrants respect, Lyon's 19 scalps against South Africa and Sri Lanka came at a more costly 41.73.

Hauritz warned Lyon to expect an early barrage from an Indian top order that would punish any loose deliveries.

On the Australian selection front, the national panel is set to keep faith in Ed Cowan even if his opening partner David Warner (thumb) is cleared to face the Indians.

There has been a push for Shane Watson to partner Warner, but Cowan appears safe after scores of 40, 53 and 58 in Australia's two warm-up games.

"He's had a good method against the spin here and he's played exceptionally well," Australian coach Mickey Arthur said.

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